Wednesday, 31 October 2012

I’m a big believer in treating oneself to a new coat every autumn, as let’s face it England’s coat season lasts from October to March and sometimes, worst luck... all the way to April too, making your winter coat of choice without doubt: the most worn item in your wardrobe.

That said it doesn’t need to break the bank, especially if you’re working a particularly seasonal look: enter this pale pink number, just £85 from Marks & Spencer. Whilst I may not treasure it until my dying day, it’s certainly cheering me up as winter draws in. And you can’t deny it looks way beyond its high street station.

Modeled on a Jil Sander catwalk number and in the perfect pink for now, its oversized cut and minimal detailing ensures you stand out in a crowd. Whilst its elegant silhouette is ideal for channeling a Hitchcock heroine, which certainly encourages you to put on some heels and reach for a grown-up handbag. The overall effect? Très chic!

Now, nearly two months later the little rascal has taken over our lives and in the process has managed to free me of my fear of dogs for good. After several puppy classes and lots of cuddles, Liger is a fully fledged (very well behaved, I might add) member of the family.

However, all this doggie stuff is still new territory for me so I was thrilled when fashion agency Trace Publicity invited us to an event they were hosting called Dogs’ Day Afternoon.

Gary, Liger and I arrived at Trace towers on Saturday to find the place transformed into doggie heaven! We started the afternoon with a private session with dog trainer and behaviourist Louise Glazebrook, founder of The Darling Dog Company. Louise was fantastic and her tips and methods were really insightful and realistic even for a novice like me to put into practice.

Afterwards we headed upstairs where the fashion collections (which normally live there) had been replaced with a doggie bazar!

Jessica from east end best friend was there showcasing her super stylish patchwork dog beds, quilts and other gorgeous dog toys and accessories- she gave Liger a very cute bandana (that cleverly slides over her collar so it stays put and won't get lost or bother her even when she's running a lot or playing) which looks so cute.
I’ll definitely be treating Liger to an east end best friend bed when she’s fully grown.

Elaine Jones of world famous dog accessories label Holly & Lil was also there with the latest collection of fash-tastic collars, from pony skin leopard print to union jack designs, they really have thought of everything!

Liger couldn't believe her luck when she met Katy from holistic and organic pet food company Lily’s Kitchen and was presented with one of their gourmet meals! I love the idea of buying Liger a Lily's Kitchen hamper for Christmas to see what else she likes.

And as if that wasn’t enough fun for one afternoon, lucky Liger had her portrait done by brilliant illustrator Richard Short, the perfect memento of a great afternoon!

Thursday, 25 October 2012

As the autumn chill officially starts to bite (I heard a horror story about temperatures dropping to seven degrees this weekend!) I’m taking solace in Dagmar’s gorgeous new woolens. First up is the Scandinavian label’s organic wool-blend shag jacket, which is so cosy it’s feels (and looks) like your receiving a hug from a fabulous gorilla when you wear it. And then there’s Dagmar’s ‘Jane’ merino wool pattern leggings: these babies are that comfy, I feel guilty about leaving the house in them, but I’m ignoring my instincts and have been wearing these slinky pantaloons with oversized shirts and sweaters... See, even wintry clouds have a silver lining!

Friday, 19 October 2012

The fashion spotlight is shining extra brightly on knitwear this autumn/winter, particularly the humble sweater: its elevated status made it a notable key piece worthy of many fashion week goers wardrobes at the shows last month.

As a knitwear enthusiast (no matter the trend slant) and someone who’s permanently cold, this is all good news and it doesn’t get much cosier or chicer, in my eyes, than a chunky polo-neck jumper, preferably with a cable knit detail. Last year Zara won the prize for the most fabulous on the high street (I’m still wearing my burgundy one, see below) but this season Gap have stolen the crown, creating this super soft beauty in cream (as pictured above) and in navy and grey too. The Grazia girls are already obsessed, and they don’t hit stores for another two weeks... elbows at the ready!

Their elegant 4.5 inch resin heel (the perfect height for day) means they're a great option for the working week, whilst the animal print’s glam connotations make these beauties ideal for evening too.

And better still, they coordinate brilliantly with my boyfriend and I’s new puppy Liger. Only joking! But with their cleverly hidden rubber sole, the Mercury boots certainly are comfortable enough for taking her for walkies!

Friday, 12 October 2012

If you haven't heard of them already, Ganni are my new discovery from Denmark. Relatively new to the UK, I don't doubt their mix of feminine dresses and wardrobe staples at affordable prices will make Ganni a top seller at both ASOS and Anthropologie where they are currently stocked.

For me one piece from Ganni's autumn/winter '12 collection particularly stands out and that's the Hemingway dress, in their print of the season, the Cathay floral.

Its high neck, with pretty collar detail, nipped in waist and elegant cuffs all make for the perfect canvas for its goldie hue and white, red flecked smudgy flower print. Whilst the black background ensures Ganni's Hemingway frock is a flattering nod to this season's winter florals trend. I ♥.

Friday, 5 October 2012

I first met Rachel Singer-Clark about five years ago when she was assisting on the Beauty desk at Grazia. And still to the this day I have never seen anyone so glamours as she in the office.

From her bouncy, glossy tousled hair, down to her Louboutin clad feet (not the usual intern get-up) Rachel bobbed up and down the office in her über efficient manner, turning the heads of everyone, particularly the fashion team...
“Oh my goddd... who's that?!” I remember saying to my colleague “She looks AMAZING! And how come she has those Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings when they're sold out EVERYWHERE?!”
(I was obsessed, I got them in the end, but way after Rachel was wearing them).

But that's Rachel down to a t. Incredibly glamorous and one helluva sassy shopper.

The now professional make-up artist, is an eBay queen, second hand designer shop maestro, and the only person I know who walks out of TK Maxx (on a regular basis) with bulging shopping bags containing the likes of Alaïa and Lanvin, when all I've ever seen in there is surplus high street stock of stuff no one else wants! Frankly, if she wasn't one of the loveliest people I've ever met I'd be sick with jealously!

But it's not just Rachel's incredible wardrobe (which (for the record) is bursting with a caliber of vintage Celine, Dolce and Dries collectables that would send even that most well clad fashionista into a frenzy) that dictates how great she always looks, as with all extremely stylish women, it's the way Rachel puts her outfits together.

In Rachel's case this comes from a powerful combination of two things: her natural instinct for what works, and a sheer love and appreciation of fashion.

When I grow up I want to be like Rachel (the fact that I'm three years her senior is by the by).

I met up with Rachel on the last sunny Saturday of September, just before the shows started, had a good ol' root around her wardrobe and snapped her in a few of her fabulous wears... Enjoy!

I'm generally inspired, and outfit dependent on the weather and the day ahead’s tasks. I can be shooting outside, in meetings, or at a client’s home for example, and I always need to feel comfortable and able to move, to work freely.

WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ROLE MODELS?

My style role model would have to be my grandma, she is a seamstress and has always had a uniform way of dressing, I’ve never seen her wear trousers or a flat shoe, she always has her hair styled immaculately with slides. Wears heels, tab tights, a fitted dress and a cardigan, with a neck scarf to match.
And also a dear friend of mine, who is a knitwear designer, her style is so eclectic. But she always raises the bar, it makes me challenge myself and attempt new shapes or colours because I can never predict what colour, texture or fabric she will wear, which excites and inspires me.

WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SHOPS/LABELS/DESIGNERS?

My favourite designers who every season I seem to fall head-over-heels for are Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Celine.
In the summer I try to lighten up with Missoni, Dries Van Noten, Chanel and Alaia, just to soften the mix.

I adore eBay. I search long and hard but sometimes there are great finds to be had and other times there’s nothing. I also trail different cities when I’m traveling with work to find designer bargains and outlets.

WHAT ARE THE MOST TREASURED ITEMS IN YOUR WARDROBE?

That would have to be my Globe-Trotter suitcase that holds my (make-up) kit. I couldn’t live without it!

A Globe-Trotter of treats: if you get bored of anything Rach, call me! xxx

P.S Rachel is an incredible make-up artist, who I've had the pleasure of working with many times. To view her work click here.

About Me

Former Fashion Editor of Grazia UK, where I worked on the magazine from its launch in 2005 to May 2013, I am now ASOS.com's International & Campaign Content Editor.
NIETO NOTICED is a space for me to share my fashion finds, trends I’m loving and things that have caught my beady little eyes, because you can take the girl out the magazine... but you can't take the magazine out the girl. Enjoy!